New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4480

Introduced
9/15/22  

Caption

Requires State employer to ascertain child abuse or sexual misconduct in employment applications for certain positions involving children; requires background checks for current and prospective employees.

Impact

The implementation of A4480 will have significant implications for how State employers vet potential employees and contractors. By requiring criminal history and child abuse record checks, the bill aims to prevent individuals with disqualifying backgrounds from being employed in positions involving direct contact with children. This legislation reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding vulnerable populations and aims to garner public trust in state services that involve children.

Summary

Bill A4480 mandates that State employers and service providers conducting services involving children must ascertain any allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct before hiring individuals for specific positions. This includes mandating detailed employment history disclosures from applicants, including any instances of past investigations or disciplinary actions related to child abuse or misconduct. The bill aims to create safer environments for children by ensuring individuals in regular contact with them do not have a history of harmful behavior.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A4480 may arise from privacy concerns regarding the disclosure of an applicant's past records, alongside potential operational burdens placed on employers required to conduct these extensive background checks. Critics may argue that the bill imposes significant hurdles for applicants, especially if records are not honorary. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the bill's provisions for provisional employment, which allows applicants to work temporarily while checks are pending, raising questions about adequately safeguarding children during this timeframe.

Companion Bills

NJ S2688

Same As Requires State employer to ascertain child abuse or sexual misconduct in employment applications for certain positions involving children; requires background checks for current and prospective employees.

Previously Filed As

NJ A127

Requires State employer to ascertain child abuse or sexual misconduct in employment applications for certain positions involving children; requires background checks for current and prospective employees.

NJ S2688

Requires State employer to ascertain child abuse or sexual misconduct in employment applications for certain positions involving children; requires background checks for current and prospective employees.

NJ S628

Requires State employer to ascertain child abuse or sexual misconduct in employment applications for certain positions involving children; requires background checks for current and prospective employees.

NJ A5838

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ A2700

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ S4235

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ S2635

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ S325

Relative to the screening of prospective school employees for prior investigations into child abuse or sexual misconduct

NJ S3054

Revises law requiring school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and contracted service providers to review employment history of prospective employee for allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ A4126

Revises law requiring school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and contracted service providers to review employment history of prospective employee for allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

Similar Bills

NJ A127

Requires State employer to ascertain child abuse or sexual misconduct in employment applications for certain positions involving children; requires background checks for current and prospective employees.

NJ S628

Requires State employer to ascertain child abuse or sexual misconduct in employment applications for certain positions involving children; requires background checks for current and prospective employees.

NJ S2688

Requires State employer to ascertain child abuse or sexual misconduct in employment applications for certain positions involving children; requires background checks for current and prospective employees.

NJ A4126

Revises law requiring school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and contracted service providers to review employment history of prospective employee for allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ S3054

Revises law requiring school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and contracted service providers to review employment history of prospective employee for allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ S2635

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ A2700

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

NJ S4235

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.